ESSEX, MD—A sanitary sewer overflow occurred in the Essex area overnight.

Baltimore County officials say that the overflow occurred in the area of Back River Neck Road at Old Eastern Avenue on Wednesday night and was stopped at around 4 a.m. on Thursday morning.

The overflow was caused by the failure of a by-pass pump which was set up to allow contractors to reline an existing 27-inch diameter sewer line.

County crews responded to the site and the contractor put the pump back in operation overnight.

Details of the overflow are still unclear and are being evaluated.

The Department of Public Works will issue reports as details become available.

In the meantime, the Baltimore County Department of Health may issue water contact advisories, if necessary.